Photographs of Kim Jong Un appear in North Korean media

Photographs of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have been published in the country’s state media in an attempt to quell speculation about his absence from public appearances for over a month.

According to the state news agency, Kim visited a new residential district and a scientific institute. He is seen walking with a cane, and does not appear to be in discomfort, in the undated photographs.

His disappearance from the public had prompted several theories and rumors in the South Korean and western media.